"Hats off to Bayern"
Munich - FC Bayern Munich's coup in tempting 2011 FIFA World Coach of the Year Pep Guardiola to the Bavarian capital as of next season has been making headlines on the sports pages around the world.
The story has been covered extensively across Europe, especially in the country where many had believed the multiple trophy-winning former Barcelona coach might well be resuming his career - England. Here are a few of the reactions to the Spaniard's decision to move to Germany :
Current Barcelona head coach Tito Vilanova talking to Mundo Deportivo: I had no idea where he would go, I didn't know anything. I'm delighted he's returning to the world of football. It was obvious he'd have the chance to go to one of the big clubs and Bayern Munich is one of them. It'll be great for German football.
Barcelona goalkeeper Jose Manuel Pinto talking to Marca: If Pep's happy, so are we. If Guardiola chose Bayern we're happy for him because he'll be itching to return (to the game). Of course, it's possible we'll face each other in the Champions League.
Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano talking to Marca: Bayern are European giants. They have great German players and a great style of play. The majority of them make up the German national team
theguardian.co.uk's football expert, Raphael Honigstein: The irony of this coup for Bayern is that its genesis lies in one of their worst defeats. Christian Nerlinger, sensing that his position as sporting director would come under intense pressure following the traumatic Champions League final loss at home to Chelsea in May, approached Pep Guardiola in the summer...
Securing the most-coveted coach in European football also reflects extremely well on the Bundesliga. It is easy to see why the fan-friendly, sustainably run league would fit into Guardiola's vision.
English football writer, Andy Brassell to bundesliga.com: The announcement of Pep Guardiola's impending arrival at Bayern Munich may have taken many on the hop, but if we reflect for a second, it makes perfect sense. Bayern's philosophy on a football and business level may be quite distinct from Barcelona's, but it's another club with a clearly defined identity and structure. This leaves Guardiola to get on with what he wants to - coaching and preparing the team. On a tactical level, Guardiola's message should find a receptive audience in a squad used to a possession-based game. The transition will certainly be of interest to Jögi Löw, as the central pieces of his Germany squad get ready for the 2014 World Cup under Guardiola's charge.
The Sun newspaper: Auf Wiedersehen, Pep: Guardiola picks Bayern over Premier League clubs. Bayern Munich have won the race to sign super boss Pep Guardiola. The former Barcelona manager won 14 trophies in four seasons at the Nou Camp. He was courted by Premier League clubs including Manchester City and Chelsea. The Spaniard, 41, was also linked with Arsenal and Manchester United - should Arsene Wenger and Alex Ferguson step down. But after months of speculation, he has chosen to take over at German giants Bayern from July.
Spanish football expert Graham Hunter on his ESPN blog: Guardiola has a clear philosophy. It's not just about how his teams play, nor solely about winning. It's about how to work, what to dedicate your enthusiasm and energy to and what constitutes consistent standards - it's about having a dream and pursuing it ruthlessly. Just check back over those words and you'll discover how much they represent Bayern Munich's philosophy.
I have always contested that what you get with Guardiola - irrespective of not having Messi - is quality, intelligence, diligence, experience, honesty and a fierce hunger to win. No wonder there was a queue of clubs vying for his services. Hats off to Bayern for securing them.
Martin Tyler, English football commentator speaking on Sky Sport News HD: First of all you have to congratulate Bayern Munich on pulling off such a coup... I think the respect for the Bundesliga in England is very big. We see the matches, we know how wonderfully well the league is organised, the fantastic relationship with the supporters, the fact that the ticket prices are very cheap compared to England. There’s not a rivalry until the teams play each other. Maybe we should have another conversation after Arsenal have played Bayern in a few weeks' time.
Guillem Balague, Sky Sports News Spanish football pundit: It’s a surprise, but less of a surprise if you get to know Pep Guardiola... The message I got in the last 48 hours from his family was that he was keeping his options open because they needed to hear from Pep and Jupp Heynckes had to be told. From that moment on it was obvious that everything had been agreed well in advance. It’s a romantic decision, a romantic club and it’s something that really fits him.
It’s become clear that contact with Bayern Munich started last year... and as I say - it just makes a lot of sense. After hearing so many positive things - Raul, the former Real Madrid player who played for Schalke - has been telling him.
Kaiser Pep is the headline of Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport, which continues: He selected Bayern because their project offered him the most. An in-depth look at why Guardiola chose the Bundesliga and Bayern Munich saw the Gazzetta explore the 'Bavarian model', which can be extended to the entire league, of full stadia, healthy finances and a strong emphasis on youth development.
